Business Archives in 2010 - October

United Turkey Red Co. Ltd

As part of Black History Month, the University of Glasgow's Archive Services held an exhibition entitled 'Vale of Leven to Hills and Valleys of South Asia – Copying Designs and Images of the Sub-Continent.'

On display were the Turkey red fabric made in Scotland, which was exported to Asia for use as saris, sarongs and shawls. Designs included abstract, geometric, floral, animal, or imitated local patterns. Each was created for a specific market and every bundle carried a colourful label giving insight into local customs, beliefs and scenery.

United Turkey Red Co. Ltd was by far the largest firm in the bleaching, finishing, dyeing and printing industry in Scotland. It was formed during the 1890s, growing naturally out of a number of occasional associations between dyeing firms in the West of Scotland, set up to deal with difficulties encountered by the industry as a whole. The collection of records contains administrative, staff, financial and production records.